How to Become an Operations Manager: Skills, Education, and Career Path

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Operations management is crucial across various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and logistics. The role enhances efficiency, reduces costs, ensures quality, and boosts customer satisfaction.

Businesses are complex with departments and numerous moving parts that work together to ensure productions are streamlined. In failing to do so, a business can incur a lot of damage, and limit its growth. Given that this job role adds to the betterment of the organization, including quality assurance, production control, customer satisfaction, and boosting growth, it is in huge demand today.

If you are an aspiring Operations Manager and wondering how to become an operations manager and the skills required for an operations manager, this blog is for you.

What Does an Operations Manager Do?

An operations manager is crucial in every industry, including IT, E-commerce, Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Healthcare, and Manufacturing. The job role requires you to use the resources available to achieve business goals. Here is an overview of the key responsibilities that an operations manager will have.

1. Process optimization is a crucial part of an operations manager’s daily routine. They are responsible for checking processes for long-term company success, constantly monitoring different areas of the company, and implementing new processes to improve efficiency.

2. Ensuring the company’s products or services meet quality standards is a key responsibility. Monitor quality assurance systems to match the evolving market and customer demands.

3. Maintaining compliance with legal regulations by developing policies that abide by the industry regulations, while ensuring a safe working environment for employees.

4. Create strategic plans that meet operational objectives and align with a company’s long-term goal.

5. Identifying operational problems and coming up with solutions that will help reduce costs, boost efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.

Essential Skills for an Operations Manager

To effectively help companies maximize their efficiency and achieve success, here are some operations manager skills you develop. 

Leadership and Team Management: The heart of operations management lies in leading and managing a team. It involves keeping the team inspired and motivated to achieve their goals, fostering continuous improvement. You will have to be on top of team building, conflict management, and performance management.

Analytical and Problem-solving abilities: One of the top skills required for an operations manager is having strong analytical and critical skills that analyze, find data, identify trends, and assess situations. You will have to deal with complex problems from time to time and make informed decisions.

Organizational and Time Management Skills: You will have a lot of things to keep track of, including project files, budgets, other company details, and keeping track of deadlines. Staying organized and being able to manage time are crucial skills required for an operation manager, ensuring these tasks go as planned and daily tasks are not affected.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Working and interacting with colleagues, team members, management, and other individuals will be part of your day-to-day routine. Having good communication skills to transcribe technical data and reports, create presentations, and provide inputs is crucial. Since you will be working with so many people daily, you must be compassionate and have empathy towards others and their situations.

Technical knowledge (e.g., supply chain software, ERP systems): Companies today store all their data and keep track of their budgets on various integrated systems to improve efficiency. Having technical expertise in various applications will prove beneficial.

Educational Requirementsr

• You will need a Bachelor’s degree in a common field of study such as Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, and Management or Accounting.
• For better career prospects a PGDM will be an added advantage. If you are a working professional and want to parallelly take up a PGDM course, MIT Online India’s PGDM in Operations Management is ideal for you. It is a 21-month course that prepares you for leadership roles and current industry situations with practical projects.
• You can choose between online and offline options, depending on your situation. MIT Online India offers the best online courses in India that are AICTE-approved programs.
• In addition to formal qualifications, certifications such as Six Sigma, PMP, and APICS can enhance your operations manager’s qualifications. MIT Online India’s PGDM in Operations Management includes learning Six Sigma Management, which helps improve business processes and will open up career prospects in a competitive job market.

Career Path to Becoming an Operations Manager

• Internships and practical knowledge are crucial for aspiring operations managers. Ensure the B-school you apply to offers practicals such as real-situation projects, case studies, and internships, giving you hands-on experience before starting a job.
• Start with entry-level roles to build the foundation and gain skills in operations management. Some entry-level roles include Operations Assistant, Logistics Coordinator, and Quality Control Analyst.
• Gain work experience in operations, logistics, or supply chain roles, as it is vital in understanding the intricacies of business operations.
• Pursue a PGDM in Operations Management from a good B-school, allowing you to move up in your career and apply for mid-level positions.

How to Prepare for a Career in Operations Management

• Being proactive and having an analytical mindset is crucial to identify areas of improvement, along with a skill set such as communication and leadership skills.
• Designing a strong resume that highlights your qualifications, certifications, skills, and experience that aligns with the role. You might also want to build your professional network through professional platforms, offline events, etc.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends by following publications and attending webinars. Also, know about the various operations management tools to enhance your ability to manage business processes.

Career Growth Opportunities

Once you have become an Operations Manager, the growth in the industry is excellent. Positions such as Senior Operations Manager, Director of Operations, and Vice President of Operations. Salary depends on various factors such as sectors, company, experience, location, and education. However, the starting salary is around INR 4 LPA.

An operations manager is a great role and is in high demand, given the many benefits of having an operations manager on site. However, to grow in your career and earn a good salary, you need to upskill, apply for a PGDM in Operations Management in India, and gain the skills required for an operations manager. Now that you know the steps involved in becoming a successful operations manager, don’t hesitate.

Also Read:

1. PGDM in Finance: Exploring Career Opportunities and Advantages
2. PGDM in HR: Unlocking Opportunities in Human Resource Management
3. Which PGDM Specialization is the Best for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifications are required to become an Operations Manager?

You need a Bachelor’s degree for an entry-level job. To grow in your career, you can apply for a PGDM in Operations Management.

2. Can I become an Operations Manager without an MBA or PGDM?

Yes, you can become an Operations Manager without an MBA or PGDM. To accelerate your career, an MBA or PGDM will be helpful.

3. Which industries offer the best opportunities for Operations Managers?

Industries such as Information Technology (IT), Healthcare, E-commerce, and Manufacturing offer the best opportunities for Operations Managers.

4. What are the top skills to develop for this role?

The top skills to develop for this role are leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management.

5. How long does it take to become an Operations Manager?

It typically takes a minimum of 3 years or more to become an Operations Manager.